A man who attempted to kill his wife has today (Wednesday 7 September) been sentenced to 20 years in prison following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Dan Draghici, aged 42, was handed the sentence after pleading not guilty to the attempted murder of Elena Draghici.
Elena, aged 31, was attacked at the family home in Fenton Street, Smethwick during the evening of Tuesday 1 March.
Draghici attacked Elena during an argument while their young daughter was upstairs with Elena's sister. After hearing the screams her sister came downstairs and jumped on Draghici’s back managing to pull him off Elena who then managed to escape.
Draghici then pushed Elena's sister on the floor and tried to stab her. She managed to get hold of the knife and bent it before Draghici ordered her to bring Elena back, threatening to kill his daughter if she didn’t.
Meanwhile Elena had managed to flag a passing taxi down and ask for help. Her sister found her moments later, she was still holding the knife she had taken from Draghici.
Draghici was found shortly after, sitting in his car with his daughter, he had stabbed himself in the leg.
The court heard how Draghici is a habitual cocaine user who was seeking treatment, he tested positive when taken into custody and had also been drinking prior to the attack.
Draghici was also convinced that Elena was seeing someone else, on the day of the attack he’d been speaking with Elena's sister about his fears and said he was going to get her out of her job. Later that evening he went to a shop in Smethwick and brought a packet of three knives and a stainless steel knife.
Following the court hearing, Detective Inspector Jason McMahon, said: “This has been a truly horrific time for Elena and her family who are trying to come to terms with what has happened to them.
“Elena sustained serious injuries during the assault which she is still recovering from, I hope that the sentence will be of some comfort to them and help them rebuild their lives.
“I would also like to thank the community, who gave crucial evidence at this trial which has undoubtedly assisted the jury reach their guilty verdict and offered tremendous support to Elena through this difficult time. The judge has told Draghici that he must serve at least two thirds of his sentence.”
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